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Background: A section of Kendale Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee (Google Maps). Inset left: Derrion Taylor (Shelby County Sheriff”s Office). Inset right: Geraldine Harris (Serenity Funeral Home).
In a tragic incident in Tennessee, a teenager has been charged with the murder of a 93-year-old woman in her home, a crime allegedly linked to a dispute he had with others present at the location.
Derrion Taylor, now facing serious charges including first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, and two counts of aggravated assault, was only 17 when the shooting occurred, according to the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office. The victim, Geraldine Harris, lost her life in the incident.
On January 17, 2024, the Memphis Police Department responded to a shooting on Kendale Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered three women who had been shot. Sadly, Harris was declared dead at the scene, while the other two victims were rushed to a local hospital with severe injuries, as reported by the district attorney’s office.
Through their investigation, detectives determined that the violence erupted from a disagreement involving at least one of the victims and two men, according to a report from local CBS affiliate WREG. Interestingly, State Representative Antonio Parkinson has indicated that the conflict did not directly involve Harris, suggesting she was an unintended victim of the feud.
Detectives investigated the shooting and learned that it stemmed from a disagreement between at least one victim and two men, local CBS affiliate WREG reported. State Rep. Antonio Parkinson, however, suggested the feud had nothing to do with Harris.
“She had nothing to do with that and the fact that here [is that] one of our matriarchs in the community has lost her life because of some nonsense that’s going on probably with younger people,” Parkinson, who represents the Memphis area, told the outlet.
Investigators “determined” that Taylor “was responsible for these crimes,” the U.S. Marshals Service said. About a year and a half later, on July 22, 2025, “a juvenile petition was issued for his arrest,” and with the help of U.S .marshals, officers followed Taylor to a residence on Colony Drive in Memphis two days later, surrounded it, and arrested him.
The district attorney’s office provided an update Thursday that Taylor’s case was transferred to adult criminal court. His bond was set at $1 million.
“The facts of this case are deeply disturbing,” Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said. “A 93-year-old woman lost her life in her own home, and two others were critically injured. Our hearts are with Ms. Harris’s family and loved ones as they continue to endure this unimaginable loss. We are committed to pursuing justice and ensuring accountability as this case moves forward in criminal court.”
Harris’ obituary chronicles a life of overcoming obstacles and helping others. She was a “long-time Memphis public school teacher, avid church member, and community activist,” it states.
“Education was always at the core of Ms. Harris’ family,” the obit continues, adding that even after she retired more than 40 years ago, she “dedicated herself to serving others. She taught inmates at the Shelby County Penal Farm. She delivered food for the Meals on Wheels program and volunteered diligently at her church.”